Why Ladakh Wants Statehood: The Full Story Behind the 2025 Protests
Ladakh youth protests turned violent on 24–25 September, leaving four dead and dozens injured.
Deadly Protests Rock Ladakh: Youth Demand Statehood and Rights
On 24–25 September 2025, Ladakh witnessed its most violent protests in years as Gen Z youth led demonstrations in Leh and Kargil. What began as a peaceful shutdown escalated into clashes, leaving at least four people dead and many injured. The unrest stems from long-standing demands for statehood, Sixth Schedule protections, job and land reservations, and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil. Ladakh, carved out of Jammu & Kashmir in 2019, is a Union Territory without a legislature, meaning it is governed directly from New Delhi. This lack of local representation has fuelled deep frustration among residents. Violence broke out after two hunger strikers in Leh were hospitalised, sparking anger and a bandh call. Protesters set vehicles and offices ablaze while security forces responded with batons, tear gas, and firing, which protesters say targeted unarmed youth.
Leaders like Sonam Wangchuk, a key voice for peaceful protest, condemned the violence but acknowledged growing anger among young Ladakhis. With curfew in place and security tightened, the government faces the urgent choice of dialogue or crackdown as Ladakh balances demands for democracy with its critical geopolitical position.
